Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

Biodiesel from Used OilRoland StoutRecently three papers have appeared in this Journal discussing the properties of biodiesel fuels and their production from biological oils, either new or used. We will frustrate students if we do not discuss why laboratory scale productions of biodiesel from used oil may produce significant amounts of emulsion.Stout, Roland. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1765.

Esters |

Fatty Acids

Peer Review of Chemistry Journal Articles: Collaboration across DisciplinesBozena Barbara Widanski and Debra Courtright-NashOrganic chemistry students conducted self-designed experiments and submitted their manuscripts to English composition students who reviewed them according to journal guidelines. The results indicate that chemistry students improved their understanding of the scientific process and scientific writing. Widanski, Bozena Barbara; Courtright-Nash, Debra. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1788.

Octachem Model: Organic Chemistry Nomenclature CompanionJoaquin PalaciosThe Octachem model is an educational physical model designed to guide students in the identification, classification, and naming of the chemical structures of organic compounds. In this article the basic concepts of Octachem model are presented, and the physical model and contents are described.Palacios, Joaquin. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 890.

Making Usable, Quality Opaque or Transparent SoapSuzanne T. MabroukFirst-year and organic chemistry students will learn the chemistry of soap by making some of the eleven described formulations, which produce usable, quality bars of soap. Opaque and transparent soaps are made in two and three hours, respectively. With an introduction to formulation chemistry, organic chemistry students can devise a formulation to synthesize their own opaque soap. Many of the formulations use commonly-available fats and oils, while some formulations incorporate specialty fats and oils for therapeutic purposes, for example, to relieve dry skin or itching.Mabrouk, Suzanne T. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1534.

Colloids |

Consumer Chemistry |

Lipids |

Nonmajor Courses |

Applications of Chemistry |

Esters

Synthesis and Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals: An Interdisciplinary ExperimentGerald R. Van Hecke, Kerry K. Karukstis, Hanhan Li, Hansford C. Hendargo, Andrew J. Cosand, and Marja M. FoxThis experiment features an investigative approach designed for the introductory science or engineering major and integrates concepts in the fields of chemistry, biology, and physics. Derived from faculty research interests, this novel experiment gives students the opportunity to draw conclusions from tests performed to illustrate the connection between molecular structure and macroscopic properties. The chemical synthesis of the compounds studied further enhances the connection between molecular structure and macroscopic physical properties. The results of two separate physical measurements, refractometry and absorption spectroscopy, are combined to calculate a microscopic, but very practical, property of chiral nematic liquidsthe pitch of the helix formed in the liquid crystalline phase.Van Hecke, Gerald R.; Karukstis, Kerry K.; Li, Hanhan; Hendargo, Hansford C.; Cosand, Andrew J.; Fox, Marja M. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1349.

Organic Functional Group Playing Card DeckMichael J. WelshOrganic functional group playing card deck used for review of the name and structure of organic functional groups that can be used to play any game that a normal deck of cards is used for.Welsh, Michael J. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 426.

Solving the Mystery of Fading Fingerprints with London Dispersion ForcesDoris R. Kimbrough and Ronald DeLorenzoThe fingerprints of the perpetrator are often not the only ones of importance in the collection of evidence. The fingerprints of the victim can be extremely important as well, and obtaining them when the victim is a child can be a tricky and frustrating endeavor. Kimbrough, Doris R.; DeLorenzo, Ronald. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1300.

Noncovalent Interactions |

Forensic Chemistry |

Esters |

Applications of Chemistry

Synthesis of Aspirin: A General Chemistry ExperimentJohn A. Olmsted IIIAn experiment is described that is suitable for the early portion of the laboratory in a general chemistry course and integrates organic examples. It is the two-step synthesis of aspirin starting from oil of wintergreen. The mechanism for this synthesis provides examples of three major classes of chemical reactions: hydrolysis, condensation, and proton transfer.Olmsted, John A., III. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1261.

Drugs / Pharmaceuticals |

Medicinal Chemistry |

Mechanisms of Reactions |

Aromatic Compounds |

Carboxylic Acids |

Aldehydes / Ketones

Synthesis of Exotic Soaps in the Chemistry LaboratoryOtto Phanstiel IV, Eric Dueno, and Queenie Xianghong WangA variety of different triglyceride sources ranging from Vietnamese garlic oil to a local restaurant's grill sludge were saponified to generate a series of exotic soaps. Students did not quantify their results, but described their products in terms of color, texture and odor.Phanstiel, Otto, IV; Dueno, Eric; Wang, Queenie Xianghong. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 612.

Qualitative Analysis |

Carboxylic Acids |

Lipids |

Consumer Chemistry |

Applications of Chemistry |

Fatty Acids

An Organoleptic Laboratory ExperimentJohn M. RisleyCompounds in ten different classes of organic molecules that are used in the fragrance and food industry are provided to students. Students whiff the vapors of each compound and describe the organoleptic properties using a set of terms utilized in the fragrance and food industry. A set of questions guides students to an understanding of the relationship between structure of molecules and smell.Risley, John M. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 1181.

A source of isomer-drawing assignmentsKjonaas, Richard A.A comprehensive source from which instructors can choose a wide variety of good isomer drawing examples to use as homework assignments and exam questions.Kjonaas, Richard A. J. Chem. Educ.1992, 69, 452.

A brief freshman experience in qualitative organic analysisGriswold, John R.; Rauner, Richard A.This is an experiment aimed at second semester non-major students. Because such courses attempt to cover so much material in so little time, laboratory experiences must be carefully thought out.Griswold, John R.; Rauner, Richard A. J. Chem. Educ.1991, 68, 418.

A problem on formulasBrowne, Elaine J.A problem suitable as an indicator of abstract thought and as an aid in selecting students for admission to honors or advanced placement courses.Browne, Elaine J. J. Chem. Educ.1985, 62, 242.